Re: "Texas Made" Bourbon 1835

I'm a bit confused on how to perceive 1835 Bourbon. It seems to encapsulate so many of the themes I've seen discussed here and on other bourbon sites:

- Sourced vs. distilled at location -- Seems that this is clearly sourced, but I can't say I'm offended by it. Many sourced bourbons are well regarded. I'm happy with my Jefferson's Reserve.

- Real Texas vs. Texas-washing -- Having spent nearly 35 years in Central Texas, I can say I take pride in my state. I love the Longhorns, but I don't walk around wearing boots and a Texas flag. That said, I appreciate that it is bottled in Texas. Would I like it more if it were distilled here? Sure. Is it dishonest? Maybe a bit, but after reading Mike Veach's book, I choose to take it as "history by marketing."

- Crappy vs. good drink -- I saw this at my local Spec's before I started my bourbon journey a few months back. I turned down a sample offering that day. Then I started drinking and researching bourbons and felt validated in my refusal after seeing the reviews here and elsewhere. But then I saw Mr. Minnick's recap of SF World Spirits Competition. At the bottom is clearly a pic of 1835. Based on this write up, I quickly picked up a bottle.

Granted my exposure to bourbons hasn't been very long, but it has been very intense. I've done blind taste tests at home with 12+ bottles. I keep copious notes. I know what I like (I'm a fan of sweeter bourbons; Rock Hill Farms is my #1; Weller 12 is my favorite value bourbon; I hated my flask of Knob Creek Small Batch). And I quite liked 1835. It handily beat Four Roses Small Batch in my blind test. It didn't beat RHF, but was more than respectable.

I find it odd that the variance is so high. It's either crap or Top 3 or 5. How can it be so wide a gap?

- Personal preference vs. group mentality -- I'm curious to see how perception of 1835 changes based on the SF recap. Maybe it won't because I don't see any promotion of the recap by the makers of 1835. If Mr. Minnick's spark doesn't catch fire, then the existing negative perceptions will remain. I look forward to more taste comparisons to see if 1835 holds up for me over time. Maybe my palate isn't developed enough. Maybe the SF panel just went crazy that weekend. Maybe the reviewers to date have been too harsh.

Re: "Texas Made" Bourbon 1835

To close the feedback loop... My impressions of 1835 has soured significantly. I've started experiencing a mid-palate "shiver" whenever I try this neat. I notice it when mixed in Old Fashioneds, too. I won't be getting this again. No matter how much discounting Spec's does.

Re: "Texas Made" Bourbon 1835

Originally Posted by michang5

To close the feedback loop... My impressions of 1835 has soured significantly. I've started experiencing a mid-palate "shiver" whenever I try this neat. I notice it when mixed in Old Fashioneds, too. I won't be getting this again. No matter how much discounting Spec's does.

Thanks for the update. I've contacted them twice in hopes of learning more about the whiskey, but I've not heard anything. I'll be sure to post an update as soon as I learn more about 1835.